Hand Tools - Wrenches - CCOHS

Author: sufeifei

Jul. 21, 2025

Hand Tools - Wrenches - CCOHS

Hand Tools - Wrenches

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  • What kinds of wrenches are there?
  • What are some examples of adjustable wrenches?
  • What are some examples of fixed-size wrenches?
  • What are the hazards of using wrenches?
  • What are general safety tips when using wrenches?
  • What should I avoid doing when using wrenches?

What kinds of wrenches are there?

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Wrenches are made in various shapes and sizes and are used for gripping, fastening, turning, tightening and loosening things like pipes, pipe fittings, nuts and bolts. There are basically two major kinds of wrenches:

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  • Pipe wrenches used in plumbing for gripping round (cylindrical) things.
  • General-use wrenches used on nuts and bolts that have flat, parallel surfaces; e.g., square or hexagonal (hex).

Wrenches may be adjustable to fit different sized pipes, nuts and bolts or may be a fixed size.

What are some examples of adjustable wrenches?

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Adjustable wrenches include:

  • Pipe wrenches.
  • Crescent™ wrenches which have adjustable jaws set at a 30-degree angle from the handle. Although Crescent is a trade name, it is widely used to refer to any regular adjustable wrench with an angled jaw, regardless of who manufactured it.
  • Monkey wrenches which have their adjustable head at a 90-degree angle from the handle.

What are some examples of fixed-size wrenches?

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Fixed-sized wrenches include:

  • Open-ended wrenches that have "jaws" with parallel sides or tines that fit snugly on nuts and bolts.
  • Closed-end or box wrenches that have a loop at the end with notches on the inside that allow the wrench to fit either square or hex nuts or both (depending on the number of notches or points).
  • Combination wrenches that have both an open end and a closed end on either end of the wrench; usually they fit the same size nut or bolt.
  • Socket wrenches are similar to closed-end wrenches except they are cylindrical in shape. They can fit over a nut in a recessed hole that would be inaccessible with open- or closed-ended wrenches. These wrenches have an offset handle at right angles to the nut being tightened or loosened. Usually, the handle is a ratchet-type handle that allows the user to turn the socket continuously in one direction by moving the handle back and forth without having to take the socket off the nut.
  • Torque wrenches, one type of socket wrench, have a built-in spring-loaded indicator that shows how much torque is being applied (i.e., shows how hard the nut is being tightened).
  • Nut drivers, another type of socket wrench, are sockets that can be snapped on or permanently fixed to a screwdriver-type handle.
  • Allen wrenches or Allen keys are hexagon-shaped (six-sided) metal shafts that are bent into an L-shape for leverage. Hex drivers are "straight Allen wrenches" that have a screwdriver-type handle. These are different from the other wrenches since they fit inside a recessed hexagonal hole in screw heads instead of around a nut or bolt.

Fixed wrenches fit single, specific sizes. Metric wrench sizes are expressed as whole numbers (e.g., 8, 10, 14, 32) that correspond to the sizes in millimetres. Non-metric sizes used widely in the U.S. are also called S.A.E (Society of Automotive Engineers) sizes and are expressed as fractions of an inch; e.g., 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 1/4. Since both metric and S.A.E. fasteners (nuts, bolts, etc.) are used in Canada, users must select the correct type and size of wrench to prevent injuries and damage to equipment in case of slippage when force is applied to the wrench.

What are the hazards of using wrenches?

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Hazards may vary depending on the work and can include:

  • The wrench slips off of the work,
  • The work piece may suddenly break free, causing you to lose balance,
  • The wrench or work piece may break, or
  • Turning the handle quickly or with pressure may create stress and strains on the hand or arm.

What are general safety tips when using wrenches?

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  • Use the correct wrench for the job - pipe wrenches for pipes, plumbing fittings, and general-use wrenches for nuts and bolts.
  • Discard any damaged wrenches (e.g., open-ended wrenches with spread jaws or box wrenches with broken or damaged points).
  • Select the correct jaw size to avoid slippage.
  • Wear safety glasses or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles) where there is a hazard of flying particles or falling debris.
  • Position your body in a way that will prevent you from losing balance and hurting yourself if the wrench slips or something (e.g., a bolt) suddenly breaks.
  • Use a box or socket wrench with a straight handle rather than an offset handle when possible.
  • Ensure that the jaw of an open-ended wrench is in full contact (fully seated, "flat", not tilted) with the nut or bolt before applying pressure.
  • When turning with an adjustable wrench, the direction of the turn should be against (towards) the permanent jaw.
  • Make sure that the teeth of a pipe wrench are sharp and free of oil and debris and that the pipe or fitting is clean to prevent unexpected slippage and possible injuries.
  • Apply a small amount of pressure to a ratchet wrench initially to ensure that the ratchet wheel (or gear) is engaged with the pawl (a catch fitting in the gear) for the direction you are applying pressure.
  • Support the head of the ratchet wrench when socket extensions are used.
  • Pull on a wrench using a slow, steady pull; do not use fast, jerky movements.
  • Stand aside when work is done with wrenches overhead.
  • Make sure adjustable wrenches do not "slide" open during use.
  • Keep tools well maintained (cleaned and oiled).
  • Clean and place tools and wrenches in a toolbox, rack or tool belt after use.

What should I avoid doing when using wrenches?

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  • Do not use push on a wrench - losing your balance is more likely if the wrench slips.
  • Do not use a wrench that has a  bent handle or is damaged.
  • Do not use worn adjustable wrenches. Inspect the knurl, jaw, and pin for wear.
  • Do not pull on an adjustable wrench that is loosely adjusted.
  • Do not use pipe wrenches on nuts or bolts.
  • Do not use pipe wrenches for lifting or bending pipes.
  • Do not use a wrench on moving machinery.
  • Do not use the wrong tools for the job. Never use pliers instead of a wrench or a wrench as a hammer.
  • Do not use a makeshift wrench.
  • Do not insert a shim in a wrench for a better fit.
  • Do not strike a wrench (except a "strike face" wrench) with a hammer or similar object to gain more force.
  • Do not increase the leverage by adding sleeved additions (e.g., a pipe) to increase tool handle length.
  • Do not expose a wrench to excessive heat (like from a blow torch) that could affect the temper of the metal and ruin the tool.

Refer to OSH Answers General Hand Tool Operation for more tips.

  • Fact sheet confirmed current: -12-13
  • Fact sheet last revised: -03-01

5 Brands of High Quality USA-Made Wrenches, Ratchets, & Sockets

When it comes to mechanics, industrial, and aerospace tools, such as wrenches, ratchets, sockets, and similar accessories, there is a broad spectrum of brands and products to choose from.

This post was originally published in June , and it seemed interesting to revisit it over 10 years later, in February . The post will remain as it was originally written, with new updates, comments, and responses where noted.

Casual – These tools are for the once-in-a-while DIYers, and include a lot of the inexpensive multi-functional and “innovative” seasonal tools that are typically given as gifts around Christmas time and Father’s Day.

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Entry-Level – There are many options available for DIYers that don’t quite know what they might need and who want the greatest bang for the buck. Entry-level tools aren’t particularly good for heavy use or demanding applications, but they’re usable and can get the job done.

Mid-Level – Better brands, such as Craftsman Professional (at least with their previous USA-made lines), are not quite at the same level as other industrial brands, but offer tools that are stronger or better featured than less expensive entry-level ones. These tools are appealing to DIYers and weekend warriors with higher budgets, and a lot of professional users earn their livings with some or many mid-level tools.

Professional and Industrial – When you need more features, better strength, top-quality, and greater breadth of size and style selection, consider a professional or industrial brand. This is the category that the rest of this discussion is mainly about.

Super-Premium – When you need absolute uncompromised quality, as well as at-your-door service, tool truck brands such as Snap-on are at the highest rung of the quality and price ladder.

USA-Made Professional & Industrial Tool Brands

We are asked this question a lot, and often see it on enthusiast forums in various forms:

Which is a good mid-level mechanics tool brand? I’m looking to buy USA-made tools and cannot afford Snap-on.

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The answer used to be that Craftsman Professional was the way to go, but in recent years they discontinued many if not all of their USA-made tools, replacing them with redesigns that are manufactured overseas. Craftsman Professional tools offered fantastic bang for the buck, and it was often believed that many Craftsman pro tools were relabeled Armstrong tools.

– Craftsman is now under new leadership, and their attempt to return to USA hand tool manufacturing failed.

There really aren’t any mid-level USA-manufacturing mechanics tool brands around to fill the holes left by the departed Craftsman Professional line, but there are some great reasonably-affordable professional and industrial brands to consider.

– this remains true. However, Tekton has launched some reasonably priced USA-made hand tools in recent years, and seems motivated to continue along that path.

Although I sometimes describe this category as simply being mechanics tools, the same tools are often used in aerospace and other industries. It’s a simplification to describe these tools as being mechanics tools, but one that usually works.

Why USA?

This is a question everyone must answer for themselves.

For me, USA-made typically means high quality tools, experienced engineering, and a history of excellence that instills a sense of trust and reliability. It typically also means easier warranty replacement or greater availability and quicker acquisition of new tools.

I should point out that, while I often prefer USA-made mechanics tools, quality and functionality are my top priorities. I recently purchased Wera tools that are made in the Czech Republic, and Facom tools that are made in Taiwan. The Wera and Facom tools are not quite challenged by any current USA-made offerings.

Brands

All but one of these brands are part of other larger corporations (more info about large tool corporations).

Armstrong – Formerly part of the Apex Tool Group

Proto – Part of Stanley Black & Decker

SK Hand Tool – Formerly part of Ideal Industries – now part of Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial Co

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Williams – Part of Snap-on Industrial Group

Wright – An independent manufacturer

– of these tool brands, 1 no longer exists and 1 shifted most production to China. To my knowledge, Proto, Williams, and Wright still produce wrenches, ratchets, and sockets – among other tools – in the USA, although not exclusively.

Armstrong

My experience with Armstrong is mostly limited to relabeled Craftsman Professional products, mainly wrenches, and a few Armstrong wrenches.

A contributor reviewed the Armstrong Maxx locking flex ratchet a while back, and really liked it.

Armstrong seems to be more aimed towards government, aerospace, and military users, but a lot of their tools are affordable and easy to find for mechanics and independent users. They’re solidly made and worth the investment.

– Apex Tool Group eliminated the Armstrong tool brand in , and funneled users towards Gearwrench and Crescent tool brands.

Proto

Proto has become one of my favorite industrial tool brands. Their new spline ratcheting wrenches are great, their Duratek screwdrivers are awesome, and their ratchets are both consistently good and affordable.

They also make great accessories as well, such as the locking extensions that we reviewed, and ratchet adapters for your breaker bar.

I like to think that, if there’s something you need, Proto makes it. Not all of their tools are made in the USA, but most are. And if there’s something that you need that they don’t offer, you could probably find it under one of their sister brands that are also under the Stanley Black & Decker umbrella.

Although not quite Proto, Facom – one of the brand’s sister companies – makes some really great angled socket wrenches that are compact yet highly versatile. They also have advantages when faced with nuts on longer fasteners or threaded rod.

– Proto remains a fairly reliable source for USA-made hand tools.

SK Hand Tool

Although I have very little experience with SK in the past, I have read numerous times that their quality has gone back up to former levels, following their bankruptcy and acquisition by Ideal Industries.

There are quite a few compelling innovative tool designs in SK’s lineup, and so it’s exciting to see that they’re back in action and looking to reclaim lost market share.

Our reviews of their bit driver sockets, thumbwheel ratchet, and a socket set left me reasonably impressed and with a taste for more.

– Ideal Industries sold SK Tools to Great Star. SK has faced backlash for shifting a majority of their production to China. It is no longer clear how many or which tools are still made in the USA.

The company has not fully updated their language or product images online. For example, their thumbwheel ratchet listing at Amazon is marked in images as being made in USA, but the description now says it’s made in China.

Williams

Williams offers tools that are made in the USA, and ones that are made overseas, but it’s easy to differentiate the separate lines by looking through their catalog. A quick but not sure way to know if a Williams tool is made in the USA is to look at the part number. If it starts with letters instead of being all numbers, there’s a good chance it’s a USA-made tool.

There is a lot of debate whether Williams tools are simply relabeled Snap-on tools without the premium prices attached to tool truck distribution structure, but insiders have pointed out a few subtle changes, such as the level of attention given to finishing tools prior to chrome plating.

I recently purchased a few Williams tools, and am pretty pleased with the quality thus far. Their SuperCombo wrenches that we briefly reviewed are popular tools for users first buying into the Williams brand, as are their fabulous hard-handled screwdrivers.

– Williams, along with Snap-on, their parent company, still produces hand tools in the USA. The notes about there being USA-made and imported hand tools, with clues given by the model number, seems to remain accurate.

Wright

My experience lies mainly in a small ratchet and 7pc set if WrightGrip wrenches that are beautifully finished with a satin polish.

Wright doesn’t produce anywhere near as many tools as the other brands, but there are a few gems in their offerings, such as their stellar wrenches.

– Wright remains a lesser-known USA hand tool manufacturer.

Which to Buy?

There’s no one best brand. All of these are brands of tools that I own, and all are brands that I would recommend. Which one might be for you depends on what you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend.

We have some test samples coming in, and also a large number of purchases inbound. In other words, we have plenty of reviews planned for the next few months to help you see the best of what each brand offers, and to help you determine which – if any – might be nice additions to your toolbox.

It wouldn’t be unwise to stick with just one brand, but personally I like to built my toolbox with a motley of brands that includes – but is not limited to – the 5 mentioned here.

Which mid-to-high level USA brands would you recommend for tools such as ratchets, sockets, wrenches, and other such tools?

– There are fewer USA-made options than 10+ years ago. Your best bets, besides looking towards Snap-on and other tool truck brands, are Proto, Williams, and Wright. There are other brands for USA-made tools other than wrenches, ratchets, and sockets, but fewer options when it comes to these types of core tools.

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